ENews 2011-13

For some long serving ENews readers the highlight of any issue used to be the 'Headlines' poem. However there was a school of thought that, maybe, this played a contributory part in the distribution problems encountered earlier this year. As it would seem that ENews is now reaching the majority of the 2,800-odd email addresses that appear on the Mailing List for the first time in a long time I have decided to give the odd ode a rest – for the time being at least.

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HYDRO GEN

First impressions of the energyshare website can be that it appears a little daunting. Accordingly I sought Hydro Project Manager Keith Tibbitts views and he has come up with the following simplified guide to the registration process.

In passing on his grateful thanks to those that have registered since ENews 2011-12 went out he is hopeful that the following will encourage those who have yet to do so!

The first step is to go to www.energyshare.com/Dudbridge-Locks-Hydro. Once there look for the red "Support This Group" button on the right hand side, about one third of the way down the page. Click on that and then click on the blue "Login or Sign Up" box. (Unless you have already signed up in which case just login).Complete the form by choosing a username, add your email address and choose a password which you enter twice. You can add a photo if you want but it's not essential.The username you choose can be a combination of letters and numbers but no spaces.If you don't want to receive emails from energyshare leave the tick boxes empty.You will then receive an email with a link in your Inbox.Click on the link sent to your Inbox and login with your username and password. You will then be added to the list of registered supporters.

Once logged in and should there be a need to, Keith can be sent an email message via the Group Admins link (middle left of the page). Should you have more than one email address – you can guess the rest.

And that's all there is to it. At the time of issue of this ENews the scheme has 709 supporters, let's do what we can to get this figure well over 1,000……

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SOW IMPORTANT

The Martins Turner and Phillips report that plans for the Stroud on Water Festival that will be taking place between the 2nd and 4th June next year are progressing really well. Short term there is a need to fill two vitally important management roles relating to Trader Bookings and Sponsorship.

The Trader Bookings Manager will be someone who can identify possible traders, encourage them to book, organise bookings, allocate stalls etc – in fact anything involving traders running up to the Festival itself.

The Sponsorship Manager will be someone who can identify, contact and work with a small number of potential sponsors – selling the festival (and the CCT) to them, pulling together a package of benefits for them and seeking a win-win partnership with them.

I thought the following may be of interest to those thinking about volunteering but have yet to make up their mind. It represents a typical work schedule for those of us who enjoy the cameraderie that our days spent at Western Depot, Eastington under the 'Maintenance Activities – West' banner undoubtedly bring.

Other activities are available, of course, and all offer the same degree of friendship, fun and the satisfaction of knowing that every little helps as a well known supermarket chain would say. Take a look at the volunteer website at www.cct.teamconnect.org.uk for information about how to join our merry throng and to get some idea of the range of activities on offer.

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CUT FAVOURITES(Or snip-pets if you prefer…)

~ After many delays we are reliably informed that work will finally start on the Ocean and Chestnut Lane swing bridges during the 1st week of October.~ Plans are now being worked up for the western side of Brimscombe Port. Somewhat of a challenge with access roads, a gas switching building, the Ship Inn, and river culverts to juggle as well as being able to fit a boat through and round into the port itself.~ The long time bund at Oil Mills Bridge has been removed.~ Tenders for Wallbridge Upper Lock were in a couple of weeks ago but the contract is not let as yet.~ Planning application for the new line of the canal around Capel's Mill has been submitted.

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HOW MUCH WOOD SHOULD A WOODCHOPPER CHOP?

The Western Depot logs enterprise is going really well this season with many repeat orders evident. Details of the service appear at www.cotswoldcanals.com/pages/logs-for-sale.php; as you will see deliveries are already being scheduled for mid November, which is marvellous news for the Trust's coffers.

If we become inundated with orders then, as long as there remains plenty of the raw material available, we shall try to arrange additional delivery dates over and above those on the scheduled volunteering days of Monday and Wednesday.

All it takes to join the list of satisfied customers is an email or phone call to 'The Logman', details on the website.

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TRIPPING OVER

Sunday marked the end of this year's trip boat season at both Lechlade and Saul. And what a year it has been!

The weather has not been at all kind and several weekends had to be cancelled because of it. Nevertheless the efforts of those brave souls who regularly volunteered to crew Inglesham and Persevereance and who turned out in all sorts of weather must be acknowledged.

Neither Trip Boat Manager has had an easy time of it either; all too often they have had to persuade and cajole us to turn out at short notice, not an easy task especially when punters have been few and far between on occasions. However on the plus side charters at both ends have proved to be extremely popular this year and are carrying on into the Autumn.

For further information and contact details about items marked* please go to the Message Boards on the Activities and Rosters page at www.cct.teamconnect.org.ukTo become a registered volunteer please follow the Register Me Now link.

Mondays & Wednesdays from 09:00: Maintenance activity at Western Depot*.Tuesdays and Thursdays from 09:00: Maintenance activity at Eastern Depot*.Thursdays from 10:00 – 15:30: Volunteer taster sessions (towpath clearance) aimed at people new to volunteering; meet Bell House Wallbridge. CCT members also welcome.

Newsworthy items for consideration should be sent to listmaster@cctmembers-newsletter.co.uk but please remember I am always looking for a connection with the Stroudwater, the Thames & Severn or the CCT.